Emotional face expression recognition in problematic Internet use and excessive smartphone use: task-based fMRI study

Growing literature indicates that problematic Internet use (PIU) and excessive smartphone use (ESU) are associated with breakdown of functional brain networks. The effects of PIU&ESU on emotional face expression (EFE) recognition are not well understood, however behavioural investigations and fMRI studies of different addiction forms indicated the impairment of this function. The Facial Emotion Recognition Paradigm was used to probe cortico-limbic responses during EFE recognition. Combined fMRI and psychophysiological analysis were implemented to measure EFE-related functional brain changes in PIU&ESU. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess PIU&ESU. Positive associations were found between the extent of PIU&ESU and functional connections related to emotional cognitive control and social brain networks. Our findings highlight the involvement of social functioning, especially EFE recognition in PIU&ESU. Therefore, we emphasize that besides the brain's executive and reward systems, the social brain network might be the next candidate to be involved in the pathogenesis of PIU&ESU.

Automated summary

Growing research indicates that problematic Internet use (PIU) and excessive smartphone use (ESU) are linked to dysfunction in brain networks. However, the impact of PIU&ESU on emotional face expression (EFE) recognition remains unclear, although studies have shown impairment of this function in various addiction forms. This study used a Facial Emotion Recognition Paradigm to investigate cortico-limbic responses during EFE recognition. Results revealed positive associations between the extent of PIU&ESU and functional connections in emotional cognitive control and social brain networks. These findings highlight the role of social functioning, particularly EFE recognition, in PIU&ESU pathogenesis.